Could the Jacksonville Jaguars trade up for Quentin Johnston in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Wide receiver isn't particularly high on the Jacksonville Jaguars' list of needs after trading for Calvin Ridley last season. But that won't stop them from doing due diligence and meeting with Quentin Johnston.

The Jags will host Johnston for a visit as part of the draft process, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. The former TCU Horned Frog is one of the top receiver prospects in this year's class and was mocked to Jacksonville at the midpoint of the 2022 season, when it looked like they were going to secure a pick in the top 10.

At 6'3" and 208 pounds, Johnston has the size to become a red-zone target but he also possesses the speed to get deep. The Houston native wasn't much of a factor early in his collegiate career but ended the 2022 season with 60 receptions for 1,069 yards with six touchdowns.

On the other hand, Johnston's drop rate of over 10 percent and his sub-50 percent in contested catches are less than optimal. Nevertheless, Johnston can be a No. 1 receiver if he can work on those areas, which may be why the Jags want to meet with him.

The Jacksonville Jaguars would need to trade up to draft Quentin Johnston

This year's draft will feature several intriguing wide receiver prospects, including Johnston and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Both of them will most likely be gone by the time the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock at No. 24, so they would likely need to move up several spots to land either one.

Although Johnston goes to the New York Giants at No. 25 in CBS Sports' latest mock draft, it's hard to see him lasting that long. Realistically speaking, he and Smith-Njigba could be taken in the top 15. Then again hosting Johnston for a visit would help them be ready in case he slides in the first round.

The Jaguars signed Zay Jones and Christian Kirk last offseason and later traded for Calvin Ridley, who has been reinstated after serving an indefinite suspension for betting on NFL games. Given how stacked their wide receiver corps currently is, it's hard to see the Jags taking a flyer on Johnston but there's no doubt he would give their offense a huge boost.

The potential downside of taking Johnston in the first round is that Jacksonville has bigger needs than wide receiver. They need to add a cornerback and add depth to their pass rush rotation, their defensive front, and their tight end unit. They will most likely prioritize those position groups in the draft but if they are impressed with Johnston and he happens to be available after the 15th pick, moving up might be doable.

The Jags need to revamp their roster and if they think that adding a weapon like Johnston can help them keep up with the Kansas City Chiefs and other AFC contenders, they should then take him. In end, they need to come out of the draft with playmakers and Johnston showed in 2022 that he's one.